the lion of the russian army - Florida State University

successes would “raise the high spirit among the soldiers…. But the main advantage of
this rapid and sudden action… is to remove the theater of war from the boundaries of the
empire and hold a position on Vistula that would allow us to oppose the enemy with
greater determination and firmness.” 52
Prince Peter hoped to raise a national movement against the French in Prussia.
The army of Belostoc would then advance to Vistula River and, with an assistance of the
Baltic fleet, take possession of Danzig. Bagration stated that for this purpose “it is not
necessary to consider the neutrality of the King of Prussia since all his territories are
under the authority of the Emperor of France…” Turning to Austria, he proposed to gain
their support by offering to return the New Galicia or Tarnopol, “always a stumbling
block for the Viennese Court in their relationship with Russia” After seizing the Duchy
of Warsaw, Bagration suggested that the dissatisfaction of the local population with the
French administration could be used to raise anti-French movements. 53
Bagration realized that the future war would create great problems on both sides.
Consequently, he recommended a reliable reserve be created to supply the main forces.
He offered to arrange the third line of forces at a distance of 100-150 miles from the 2nd
line, composed of depots that would provide the army with well-trained soldiers. These
depots would move forward together with the advance of the first two lines and keep the
same distance from them. Bagration also determined the recruitment system and inducted
seven men from every 500. With these basic recommendations for the campaign,
Bagration emphasized the importance of prompt actions. He tenaciously insisted on an
offensive before Napoleon completed assembling his army. 54
52 Bagration to Alexander, circa March 1812, Ibid., 135.
53 Bagration to Alexander, circa March 1812, Ibid., 136.
54 Bagration to Alexander, circa March 1812, Ibid., 135-36.
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